✰✰✰✰✰ Shannon loves stepdancing, but she doesn't have the fancy wigs, new shoes, or expensive costumes like the other girls. All the same, she keeps practicing for the Saint Patrick's Day stepdance contest. Unfortunately, when the heel of her shoe snaps off, her chances of winning are ruined...or are they? Even though things look hopeless, Shannon closes her eyes and remembers what her dad once told her about how to get a leprechaun to appear and grant a wish. When she opens her eyes again, Liam, the world's tallest leprechaun, is standing there.
Shannon is skeptical. After all Liam doesn't look like what she expected. However, she makes a wish, and he grants it...sort of. The same thing happens the next day and the day after that. With all three wishes used up, Shannon shows up at the contest ready to dance her best. After all the practice, will Shannon win the leprechaun's pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Liam knows the answer, but Shannon must find out for herself in this charming Saint Patrick's Day tale.
The Bottom Line: Sean Callahan's tale of a little girl and her three wishes is perfect for Saint Patrick's Day. The main character learns that things may not always be what they seem, but hard work, tradition, and lots of practice can make a lot of difference. Kathleen Kemly's pastels perfectly compliment this heartwarming tale. Highly recommended for kids interested in Irish-American traditions, stepdancing, and Saint Patrick's Day lore.
Details: Shannon and the World's Tallest Leprechaun written by Sean Callahan & illustrated by Kathleen Kemly. Hardcover picture book published by Albert Whitman & Company in 2008. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-8075-7326-6
✰✰✰✰ If you've ever wondered why there's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, then this is the picture book for you and your little one. Returning home to Dingle after a long absence, Finn O'Finnegan notices that something seems to be a bit off. Leprechauns have taken over the town and no one can sleep. You see...the more fairy shoes the leprechauns make, the more gold they get. And so the tap-tap-tapping continues day and night.
Now everyone knows how crafty and stubborn leprechauns can be. It takes a smart person to outwit them, but Finn has some experience with leprechauns. Finn knows that in addition to being clever, leprechauns are also very prideful and sensitive. Fortunately for the town of Dingle, Finn has a plan, that with a little Irish luck, just may work. Will the leprechauns ever stop their "infernal tapping" or will the town of Dingle be stuck with them forever? Read Stephen Krensky's clever book and find out for yourself why there's a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow.
The Bottom Line: This is a fun tale for reading at St. Patrick's Day or any time of the year. Outwitting leprechauns is never an easy task; kids will enjoy Finn's patience and cleverness. Illustrator Dan Andreasen's charming oil paintings add wee a bit of whimsy that both kids and adults will enjoy. Recommended springtime reading for kids ages 4 and up.
Details: Too Many Leprechauns: Or How That Pot o' Gold Got to the End of the Rainbow written by Stephen Krensky and illustrated by Dan Andreasen. Hardcover picture book published by Simon & Schuster Book for Young Readers in 2007. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-689-85112-4
✰✰✰✰½ A long time ago in a faraway Irish village, there lived a harpist known as Old Pat. Another harpist, Young Tom, was given to bragging and charging great fees for his talents while humble Old Pat freely shared his gift with all. One day a royal harping contest was announced. Both Old Pat and Young Tom set off for the Royal Palace. That night while resting in the forest, wicked Young Tom sabotages Old Pat's harp.
As luck would have it Old Pat happens upon a leprechaun in distress. Now everyone knows the reputation leprechauns have for creating trouble by promising gold to unsuspecting people. Young Tom quickly flees, but Old Pat follows his heart and lends a helping hand. Old Pat soon falls into a deep slumber. Will the old man ever make it to the contest on time or will he succumb to the tricks of the leprechaun? Read The Leprechaun's Gold to find out.
The Bottom Line: A heartwarming tale for the young and young at heart, The Leprechaun's Gold teaches children the values of kindness and generosity. Filled with charming and colorful illustrations by Henry Cole, this book is perfect for St. Patrick's Day reading. Highly recommended for kids in grades K - 3.
Details: The Leprechaun's Gold written by Pamela Duncan Edwards & illustrated by Henry Cole. Hardcover picture book published by Katherine Tegan Books in 2004. 32 p. ISBN: 0-06-623974-5
